Aqua's Claim Is Misleading, Commission XIII Of The House Of Representatives Calls Human Rights Violations And Consumer Rights If It's True From The Bor Well

Nusantara Building which is the main building in the MPR/DPR/DPD complex. (Photo: mpr.go.id)

JAKARTA Member of Commission XIII DPR Mafirion highlighted the alleged violation committed by the Aqua brand bottled drinking water producer (AMDK). According to him, if the findings of the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, that the source of water for the product came from bore wells and not from natural mountain springs, Aqua violates human rights and consumer protection rights.

"When a company advertises its products as if they come from natural mountain water, when in fact it's from a bore well, it's a misleading form of advertising. People have the right to know the truth about what they consume," said Mafirion in Jakarta, Saturday, October 25.

The PKB legislator emphasized that the public's right to obtain correct information and a healthy environment is part of human rights as guaranteed by Article 28F and Article 28H paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution.

"Everyone has the right to information, a prosperous life, and enjoy a healthy environment. In this case, there are indications of violations of the constitutional rights of citizens," he said.

Mafirion also highlighted alleged violations of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. He quoted Article 9 paragraph (1) which prohibits business actors from making misleading statements regarding the origin, type, quality, or composition of goods. Meanwhile, Article 10 confirms the prohibition of producing or marketing goods that are not in accordance with the information on labels or advertisements.

"Aqua producers' actions have the potential to violate consumer rights to correct, clear, and honest information as regulated in Article 4 letter c of the Consumer Protection Law," he said.

Mafirion assessed that this issue also had an impact on social justice and business ethics. Consumers, he said, are willing to pay more expensive because they believe the product comes from mountain springs that are considered more pure.

"If it turns out to be just drill water, then the company has exploited public trust," he said.

Mafirion stressed that the state must be present and not allow business practices that mislead the public.

"This concerns the integrity of information, consumer rights, and corporate social responsibility. The state must not remain silent about practices like this," he concluded.